Optimum restore/polish

[telmomassa]

Hello guys!,

I have about 30 headlights to restore right now, after the success with windshield polish a few customers wanna polish headlights, I wanna use Optimum products but Im getting i few doubts,

1- To take out most of the yellowing should i use the Opti cutting pad 3'' or a grid like 500-1500 ?

2- then use the Optimum polishing pads 3'' to take out the small swirls and,

3-finally get the finish look together with Optimum Compound II or Optimum Polish II ?

Since is my first work at headlights (only worked with windsheild polishing) can you tell me in average how many pad should i buy, polishing compounds, i need to have a ideia please

Best regards!

Telmo

[zach.rowe1]

Go from 500,800,1000,3000 sand paper then take some plastic polish and buff it out

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using AG Online

[davidc]

I use polishing compound first to remove yellowing. Sanding is a last resort.

Dave

[stilltipping3]

I got my drill gun and put the Wool pad on it with some 1000 grit compound and then hit it with 205 and finally sealed it with Ksg and its perfect!

[Rsurfer]

I got my drill gun and put the Wool pad on it with some 1000 grit compound and then hit it with 205 and finally sealed it with Ksg and its perfect!

How long does ksg last in the desert before yellowing?

[AutowerxDetailing]

I agree with what has been said. You will not always have to sand. Start with least aggressive method and work up to whatever will correct the defects. Ultimately all you really need to do is remove the failed UV coating and then polish to a high gloss. Applying a new UV resistant coating would be advised.

[Vegas Transplant]

Personally, not a fan of using MF on headlights. I find that foam suits me better time-wise and end product-wise. But then again I correct headlights with a rotary.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1838/hdlts_re1.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/64358)

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1838/hdlts_re_2.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/64359)

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1838/hdlts_re_3.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/64360)

[jrs1418]

^^ Agreed, foam IMO works better on headlights.

My only advice to you, If you're doing headlights for money, you should at least finish up with something durable like Opti Lense or Spar. Sorry I didnt lee any mention of an lsp for your job.

[telmomassa]

Hi, Thanks guys!!
I forget to say i will protect with Opti Lens,
So, i will use Opti compoud polish with a Optimum polish pad on my rotary, Than clean with 15% IPA(its ok?) before apply Opt lens
If necessary to apply a 2 layer of Opt lens how many minutes need to wait?

How much time take to polish wall headlights in a car, average?

P.S.- I will use Optimum products because i can get a better price.

[stilltipping3]

How long does ksg last in the desert before yellowing?


Not sure, but at least 5 months so far. Time will tell.

[Vegas Transplant]

...3-finally get the finish look together with Optimum Compound II or Optimum Polish II ?

...can you tell me in average how many pad should i buy, polishing compounds, i need to have a ideia please

Best regards!

Telmo

Compound II will suffice.

Though the above pic shows an LC 5.5" flat pad, I prefer using the Cyclo 4" pads on headlights. More durable and will dissipate heat better than flats.

Either yellow or orange should do all thirty, though the 4 pack may get you there also if you are careful. 8 Pack Cyclo Premium Yellow Cutting Pads (http://www.autogeek.net/cyclo-yellow-foam-8-pack.html) . Just be careful of the nibs that some headlights have on the lens as they will eat your pads.

Optimum Double-Sided Rotary Adapter, double sided pad adapter, optimum center adapter (http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-rotary-adapter.html) will allow greater visibility of your work suface.

2.75" bp or 2 7/8" bp allows for significantly more flexibility on curved surfaces, thus constant contact of the pad/sanding disc on the lense.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/2037/playing_around_re4.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/63371)

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1838/hdlts_re4.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/64408)

Also look at the Polish clear and colored plastic with Mothers Plastic Polish! Clean headlights, plastic trim, and clear plastic panels with Mother's incredible (http://www.autogeek.net/motplaspol.html) for lesser damaged headlights that won't require sanding.

[DaHen]

Hi, Thanks guys!!
I forget to say i will protect with Opti Lens,
So, i will use Opti compoud polish with a Optimum polish pad on my rotary, Than clean with 15% IPA(its ok?) before apply Opt lens
If necessary to apply a 2 layer of Opt lens how many minutes need to wait?

How much time take to polish wall headlights in a car, average?

Before I applied Opti-Lens Coating onto my new lens this morning, used Pinnacle's Paintwork Cleansing Lotion, (don't have any Opti polish around) with a blue finishing foam pad with my Griot's polisher, followed with a IPA wipe down.
Don't know if its necessary for a second application of Opti-Lens, but gonna put another one on tomorrow.

If the weather cooperates, hope to get these new lens in this weekend.

[telmomassa]

Thanks guys!

Unfornattly i dont have some of the pads, that some users said, I have a dealer who recommend use Zero Swirls pad

http://i44.tinypic.com/zui99e.jpg

with Mezena Fast Gloss 400 and then Mezena Power finish.

Those pads can do the job?

the main problem i have now are the pads only :S

If you could say another brands, I appreciate! :xyxthumbs:


Regards!

[Detail-Impressions]

I agree wool works better for me.
That's not to say there are not other ways that work.

If the headlights are very bad shape it's not worth the time to repair them and in my opinion replacement is a better choice.

[telmomassa]

I have a lot pads to try, I am seeing that, lol
I saw brake lights of mercedes C220, like thisones (http://i.ebayimg.com/t/New-Drivers-Taillight-Taillamp-Lens-Housing-DOT-08-11-Mercedes-Benz-C-Class-/00/s/NTcwWDU3MA==/z/qeMAAMXQV0BSIYsk/$(KGrHqYOKpMFIJgoF-ulBSIYsk!4ww~~60_3.JPG)

how do you polish the corners? a pad can't go there :S